Marysville parents anxious to pick up school materials for kids

By Steve Powell

spowell@marysvilleglobe.com

MARYSVILLE – A few days ago Marysville schools superintendent Jason Thompson wasn’t sure what the district would do to help students with academics during the six-week shutdown due to the coronavirus.

That changed quickly.

“The people wanted it,” he said. “They kept asking, ‘What are you doing?’”

So from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday administrators were passing out Chromebooks and school supplies to families with students in grades 1-5.

Lines of cars were backed up all the way to Value Village on State Avenue. Another line formed for a few blocks on 80th west of the railroad tracks.

Some families were there an hour early, Brynn Marcum said, adding, “Parents were eager for it.” Hard copies of materials were available, too, along with the Chromebooks for online. Future materials will be handed out at bus stops, where food also is being delivered.

Middle and high school students already have Chromebooks. Links to their materials are available on the district website.

Along with basic school supplies, hygiene kits also were available, which included highly coveted toilet paper.

More Chromebooks will be handed out Monday, also from 9 a.m. to noon, at the Educational Service Center parking lot, 4220 80th St. NE.

Once you have a Chromebook, if you need help call the hotline at 360-965-0202 or email chromebook-help@msvl.k12.wa.us 

The district will be holding webinars for parents and students this week to learn to use the resources being developed.

Ginger Merkel gives forms to families in cars that wrapped around the corner all the way to Value Village on State Avenue.

Ginger Merkel gives forms to families in cars that wrapped around the corner all the way to Value Village on State Avenue.

A short line forms for families that also needed school supplies.

A short line forms for families that also needed school supplies.

Hard copies of materials for each grade also were available for pick up.

Hard copies of materials for each grade also were available for pick up.

Highly coveted toilet paper was available.

Highly coveted toilet paper was available.

A few backpacks also were available for students.

A few backpacks also were available for students.